Knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among anganwadi workers in India: A systematic review

Background: Anganwadi workers (AWWs) play a vital role in improving health of the community whom they serve especially in rural areas. They form a potential vehicle for disseminating even oral health-related message and knowledge. Aim: To conduct a systematic review of observational studies to assess AWWs' knowledge and awareness regarding oral health. Materials and Methods: Relevant cross-sectional observational studies were included in the systematic review to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among AWWs. Eight studies out of 32 were finally included in the present review after conducting both electronic and manual search of scientific databases like PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. No limitation in terms of publication date was considered. Potential biases were reported and appropriate data were extracted by the concerned investigators. Results: More than 90% of subjects had education till graduation level in some studies. Very few subjects were aware regarding the role of fluorides in other two studies (7.9% and 3.4%). Very few subjects (17.1% and 37.5%) felt the need for visiting a dentist during pregnancy in two studies. Majority of the subjects cited tooth decay/pain as the main reason to visit the dentist in three studies. There were only two studies in which > 90% of subjects were aware regarding the association of oral health and general health. Conclusion: The results of the present review had shown that knowledge and awareness of AWWs is not adequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further education on certain preventive and curative aspects of oral diseases and maintenance of oral health